Mandur again, villagers rally against BBMP plan

Bengaluru: There were a few anxious moments at Kadaagrahara village, near Mahadevapur, as thousands of locals and students held a day-long protest against the BBMP's plan to dump garbage in a local stone-quarry. The protest was withdrawn after the KR Puram  MLA Bhairathi Basavaraj, assured the protestors about raising the issue at the government level.

It all started on Wednesday morning when hundreds of students and villagers from Kada Agrahara, Kannuru and Doddagubbi villages held a dharna seeking the immediate withdrawal of the proposal mooted by the BBMP over the dumping of garbage at the local stone-quarry.
They argued that the garbage dumped could be a health hazard and contaminate the ground water.

According to the villagers, the BBMP is planning to dump garbage in the 18 acres of land allotted for the BMTC. They want to build a waste recycling unit, but locals allege that the BBMP's decision will have an adverse impact and are calling for the immediate cancellation of the proposal.

Student protestors
More than 500 students from various local schools also participated in the protest, alleging that garbage dumping near a recycling unit will cause problems for them. g. Students allege that there are about 6 schools in the locality and garbage dumping could hinder their studies as the stench in the the area will create health problems Jilla Panchayat member Chikka Muniyappa,who led the protest alleged that locals are  being kept in, the dark while finalizing plans for the dumping yard.

“Agriculture and animal husbandry are the two primary occupations of villagers. A dumping yard sounds a death knell to both activities. Besides, the dump yard will lead to severe health problems for  people in the  surrounding areas. So there is no question of allowing the BBMP to dump garbage in the village,” he said.

KR Puram MLA Mr. Bhairathi Basavaraj, who visited the venue, assured them  of raising the issue at the government level. “I also agree with the concerns expressed by the villagers. Once a dump yard is created, it will create problems for years. So there is no question of allowing of any waste unit in the village,” he assured.
 

 

 

Download the all new Deccan Chronicle app for Android and iOS to stay up-to-date with latest headlines and news stories in politics, entertainment, sports, technology, business and much more from India and around the world.